There’s beauty and balance to the Ursidae Collection that lives beyond the lookbook. The backstory to the mythically themed scarves reveals a commitment to family and the evolution of talent, shared though generations. The color combinations are as sophisticated as the repeats are playful. If you’re looking for a holiday gift that’s truly a show stopper, these intricate illustrations have our vote.
We’re taking a break from this week’s gallery links, as Emily, my wonderful editorial assistant is out of town, celebrating the last days of her twenties. Instead, I’m sharing a picture that recently came my way.
My friend Zhanna is traveling throughout Africa at the moment. She’s currently planted in Chad, visiting and documenting life within the refugee camps for the non profit she runs content for, HIAS. We have periodic check-ins to see how things are coming along, how she’s adapting to the change and what crazy things have happened that day. Here’s a photo she sent through, of course I got a kick out of it- it’s a guy in an Obama shirt. The textile is pretty abrupt in a rather obvious way. That said, you have to love the devotion by the wearer.
For a bit of background, here’s a shot of us- and a few of my other nearest and dearest friends over the Jewish New Year. Zhanna’s in the tank top and just as the picture was taken, was telling us all about her new job. Very exciting to see where it’s lead her. Maybe one day we’ll get to overlap on an adventure together beyond lower Manhattan. Fingers crossed.
When people ask where I find my inspiration, I always always include student portfolios in my line-up. The work’s pure, there’s time to think things through, it’s not commercially motivated…the list goes on. Of course there’s merit to industry experience, but one life chapter truly balances the other in the world of research and revelation.
Not long ago, I stumbled across some denim experiments from Melissa Avalos. A recent graduate of the Academy of Art University, her textiles are inspired by street art, interior design, architecture and music. The swatches are beautiful, and the bleached color techniques have an instagram and tie-dye like influence.
The creative mood in Avalos’ textiles remind us a bit of Anntian, a Berlin-based designer. Both collections have delicate, tough and translucence textures. Everything’s calm and interesting, a two adjectives driving much of the work we’re seeing today.
Living in New York has benefits beyond the obvious. The longer you’re here, the closer you become to the overlapping communities around you. One friend introduces you to the next, and before you know it, you’re discovering talent, discussing relationships, job opportunities, tailors, dentists, apartments, and even encouraging group runs for the next half marathon. Everyday’s different, it’s fun.
Two weeks ago, I went to dinner at my friend Marissa’s new restaurant, Nourish Kitchen & Table (which is lovely, delicious and very healthy- I highly recommend). She teamed up with another friend, Kate Whitlow, for a Pumpkin cook off. Naturally, I was excited about this. While waiting in line to pay, I met Kate’s friend Amy. Before we knew it, we were introducing ourselves, eating pumpkin, drinking wine and talking life at the back table while waiting for our friends to arrive. Our conversation wove its way through music, textiles, women’s rights and the Somaly Mam Foundation’s upcoming gala, where Amy heads up partnerships and business development.
Through Amy, I discovered the talent that is Helen Dealtry. I learned about her studio, her patterns, and her latest venture into bedding. I bookmarked her site to delve into later that night and went home excited to have met someone great.
It only got better. Deltry’s seriously talented. Everything is beautiful, and her style is consistent and impressive through alternating genres. The patterns, scarves, and resulting work from her summer course at The Textile Arts Center is inspiring in a lyrical, organic kind of way. Have a look, you won’t be disappointed.
A coworker recently turned me onto the Vlisco Textile Company. Interesting, colorful, unexpected patterns, right? Operating since 1846, you’d assume the designs were made in Africa, not the case. Vlisco is a Dutch company that’s been collaborating within the African fashion landscape – particularly within northern and central Africa since it’s early inception. The fabric undergoes an authentic wax process which is common to Dutch design and originates from batik techniques.
Every few months there’s a collaboration that focuses on an African cause. The fundraiser highlighted above supports the Infanta Malaria Prevention Foundation. New fabric lines and select ‘one-off’ pieces were created by some of Ghana’s most prominent fashion labels today, such as Pistis, Rowvon, Ameyo Designs, House of Eccentric, Mina Evans & Poqua Poqu.
Snapping footstools isn’t something I’ve really focused on over the past few weeks, though, in reviewing the photos during my last mega laptop transfer, I noticed a small trend emerging. Sadly I don’t have brands to credit (feel free to chime in here!), but I will tell you where I came across these textured jewels.
My husband and I spent the last few days of the summer at The Surf Lodge in Montauk. The furniture, the accessories and the vibe was extremely French (understandably on account of the design direction by Robert McKinley). The driftwood chairs and rattan stool sat outside our room and are a representation of the cultured, curated attitude the hotel emits. Moving into the textile space, the black and white stool from Love Adorned was just one of many special pieces in the Amagansett Square collective. I highly recommend a visit for a home goods refresh.
Then there’s the optic variety. While at ABC Carpet two weeks ago, I happened upon this loud, structured, upholstered piece while exploring the fifth floor. What do you think? In our opinion, adding extra seating in the form of a footrest is the easiest way to zest up your home.